G-Wagen Trail Recovery: Broken Axle, Bent Track Bar & Maxtrax Winching Strategy
July 23, 2025
From Rusted Classic to Timeless Masterpiece
At Alliance Auto Care, we don’t just restore G-Wagens — we reimagine them. This 1998 Mercedes-Benz G500 Cabriolet arrived as a weathered, rusted project. Eight months later, it rolled out as one of the most stunning examples of G-Class craftsmanship we’ve ever completed.
The truck underwent a complete frame-off restoration. Every component — from the axles to the exhaust — was stripped, sandblasted, and refinished. The chassis and underbody were industrially coated, and a new stainless-steel exhaust system replaced the original.
The body received a complete facelift with Aston Martin blue paint and a color-matched tan top inspired by the limited Final Edition Cabriolets. The truck now wears 20-inch AMG wheels, upgraded projector LED headlights, and a refinished bullbar — a perfect blend of classic lines and modern elegance.
Inside, the transformation continues. The interior features distressed saddle leather, deviated stitching, and a fully reimagined dashboard with an Alpine double-DIN head unit and hydro-dipped trim. The seats, foam, and steering wheel were all rebuilt for comfort and aesthetic harmony.
A new SBAR heater system ensures comfort in cold climates, and a discreet amplified audio system with a subwoofer provides modern sound while keeping the cabin’s classic character intact.
Every surface, fastener, and finish was touched — down to the Zeus fasteners on the new canvas top. The owner gave one instruction: “Whatever it needs, do it right.” No expense was spared, and it shows in the flawless fit, finish, and performance
After assembly, the Cabriolet underwent extensive testing — including highway drives in rain and wind. The result? Zero leaks, perfect drivability, and quiet confidence, even with the top down at speed.
This particular G-Wagen came to us from Canada — proving that distance is no barrier. We handle full logistics and nationwide transport for G-Class builds. Our clients trust us with their dream trucks, whether they’re across the state or across the border.
Every G-Wagen tells a story, and every restoration is a chance to bring a vision to life. These trucks are a blank canvas — built to reflect each client’s personality and taste. For this project, the goal was timeless elegance with modern comfort, and the result speaks for itself.
Expect a 4–8 week timeline, depending on parts availability and scope. A full job like this can range from $10,000 for partial work to $30,000+ for full disassembly, rust remediation, paint, and reassembly. But in Joe’s words: “The money you put into it now pays dividends down the road.”
Interested in restoring your G-Wagen?
Contact Joe Gocher at Alliance Auto Care in Loveland, Colorado.
Get in touch with Joe Gocher and the team at Alliance Auto Care—we’ll get your truck squared away the right way.